"For nearly twenty years now, Reach has successfully brought public and private sector forces together to address equality and justice issues that have been identified by community members who have a disability. In doing so, Reach has attracted support from business and professional ranks - in fact, volunteers from all walks of life who care passionately about their community. Reach offers a process for change that builds partnerships, mobilizes community resources, and empowers individuals to work together in a spirit of inclusion and engagement. Reach is now developing a capacity to share experiences, technologies, and resources with like-minded people; this is what building communities is all about."

The Right Honourable Ramon J. Hnatyshyn, P.C., C.C., C.M.M., C.D., Q.C. (1934-2002) 
June 1999

"Reach has consistently lived up to its commitment to equality and justice for people with disabilities for over a quarter of a century. Organizations such as Reach provide an invaluable service by providing free legal advice to those with disabilities, who in many cases have no other recourse to the legal system. I commend Reach Canada for ensuring that those who have had no voice may at last be heard."

The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean,
Governor General of Canada, June 2006.

"A few years ago, Roger Greenberg, Minto's Chief Executive Officer suggested we look into offering training for managers to reinforce the importance of understanding stereotypes, acknowledging and accommodating people with disabilities.

Since 2007, we have been delivering DiversAbilities Awareness training part of the Minto Learning Centre internal management curriculum in Ottawa and Toronto.

The Reach Canada training workshops continue to provide high value in helping us build an environment of equal opportunity and inclusion at Minto!"

Christine McCartney,
Manager, Training & Organization Effectiveness, The Minto Group, February 2009 

"It has been tremendous pleasure for me to be first Reach Intern from the Government of Canada. Working at Reach has allowed me to see first-hand how individuals and families benefit directly from the hard work of Reach volunteers, contributors, and staff. It has been extremely satisfying to be a part of this unrelenting effort to bring people with disabilities the equality and justice they deserve"

Debra L. Simms, February 27, 2009

"To collaborate as a volunteer in Reach, has been one of the most valued experiences in my professional and personal life. As a Mexican lawyer who has just recently made Canada his new country, having the opportunity of being part of the Reach team, has opened a new vision of the Canadian society and how anyone can help to create a society with more justice and acceptance.

Reach Canada's generosity is so big, that this organization also helped me in the process to be recognized as a member of the Bar of Quebec, where I recently started to be recognized as a lawyer in this wonderful country. "

Alfredo Garcia, March 2. 2009

"I contacted Reach seeking help with my human rights complaint which was going very wrong. I contacted my union many times and I was being given the round around. But after I attended your mental health conference on December 3, 2008 I talked to one of your guest speakers, a human right lawyer.

This person knew the name of my lawyer at my union and she gave me his contact information. I contacted this union lawyer and I am now getting the help I need to present my case to CHRC.

If it was not for your Reach conference on mental health, the chain of events that happened would have never happened. I am very grateful to you"

B. (client name withheld) January 2009 

"Volunteering with Pro Bono (Students Canada) is a very special and important opportunity for students. A placement with Reach's Lawyer Referral Program has provided valuable insights into the legal profession. The students are responsible for client intake and following up on the files until the client is matched up with one of the many lawyers who volunteer with Reach. In the process, the student acquires valuable skills in the areas of client-lawyer relationship, identifying legal issues and how to handle difficult and sensitive client concerns.

In addition to these skills, students come away with a sense of pride for helping clients take the first step in resolving their legal concerns. Many students come to love what they do at Reach and return to volunteer even after their Pro Bono placement ends. They are amazed by the number of lawyers who volunteer their time and services with us and learn by example that it is important to give back to the community, a value that should be carried into their legal careers."

C. Der, law student, November, 2007

 "In September 2007, I began my fourth year BSW practicum at Reach Canada. During my practicum, the main task that I was responsible for was planning, organizing, and moderating an educational seminar. Through this experience I have gained much confidence in my ability to communicate with a variety of individuals and professionals in the community and also tackled my fear of public speaking.

My placement at Reach far exceeded my expectations, as I developed a greater understanding of how a non-profit organization operates, learned more about issues that affect people with disabilities, and practiced a variety of administrative skills that will help me grow as a social worker. I would recommend Reach to any other social work student looking for experience in the administrative sector of social work"

E. Fitzgerald, BSW student, December, 2007.

 "I requested Reach's assistance after a long and frustrating dialogue with several departments of a large institution. Since no one was willing to defend the choices made by this institution, my options-and my patience-were running low. When I called Reach, my concerns were heard, and I was promptly paired with a lawyer who reviewed my case. She even agreed to meet with me and the other parties involved only a few days after our first conversation. The afternoon before we were to meet, I was (coincidently, they claim) offered the job. I am very thankful to Reach and its staff for helping me state this case, and offering me a stronger voice when my own voice was not being heard."

C. (client name withheld) August, 2004

"I wish to thank Reach for providing the organization through which we legal volunteers have been given the opportunity, really the privilege, to use our professional skills to fight for equality and justice for people with disabilities. Although we fight, we do not always win but the people with disabilities do not fight alone as long as an organization such as Reach exists here in Ottawa."

Macey Schwarz, Barrister & Solicitor - 2004